NFL decides not to fine Earl Thomas for hugging official

It has been noticed more this season that the NFL is fining players when they perform extravagant celebrations on the field.

Whether it be Pittsburgh Steelers' Antonio Brown twerking in the endzone, or New York Giants' Odell Beckham Jr. taking his helmet off and screaming after scoring a touchdown, there hasn't been much the league's officials haven't flagged and fined this season for excessive celebration.

They even flagged Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas for hugging an official last Sunday during his team's game against the New Orleans Saints, but at least common sense has prevailed in this situation.

SIGN UP NOW

According to Pro Football Talk: "The league has confirmed that Seahawks safety Earl Thomas was not fined for hugging an official after he scored a touchdown on Sunday."

The safety had just returned a fumble 34 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and couldn't contain his excitement. It's not like he tackled the referee to the floor. The official was just a bit startled by it all.

The Seahawks would go on to lose the game, but it was unlikely that the 15-yard penalty as punishment for Thomas' actions had any affect on the outcome.

Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll even said this week according to ESPN: "It was a pretty interesting moment. We're not going to do that again. ... Earl got the chance to celebrate with an official for one time in his career."

The 27-year-old will just be glad no financial penalty has been inflicted on him for action he would probably take back today. He actually didn't even realised he had been flagged until someone told him in the locker room after the game.

It's just good to see common sense on the NFL's part has prevailed in this situation.

Do YOU want to write for GiveMeSport? Get started today by signing-up and submitting an article HERE: http://gms.to/writeforgms

Report author of article

DISCLAIMER

This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of
GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article.
GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

Want more content like this?

Like our GiveMeSport Facebook Page and you will get this directly to you.